SIR Bradley Wiggins’ annual Ride with Brad cycling event, which starts and finishes in Barnoldswick, has been cancelled because the Olympic champion cannot commit to the date.

The event attracted hundreds of cyclists in 2012 and 2013, but it is now set to skip a year because Wiggins, who won the Tour de France two years ago, cannot be certain of making the August 17 ride.

The event sees the Eccleston cyclist lead enthusiasts from across the country on rides of 50km, 100km or 160km along some of his favourite training roads in the Pendle and Ribble Valley countryside.

Previous rides have started and finished in Barnoldswick’s Victory Park, with a Festival of Sport also attracting visitors.

Last year’s event again attracted hundreds of cyclists despite heavy rain on the day.

In a statement, organisers Pennine Events said: “In consultation with Bradley and his management team we have agreed that due to the importance and demands of his racing schedule for this summer it is better to postpone the event.”

However they are hopeful it will return in 2015.

Wiggins is waiting to hear whether he will be selected for Team Sky’s Tour de France team for the race which starts in Yorkshire on July 5.

He could ride in support of defending champion and team leader Chris Froome, but the pair have clashed over the leadership in the past.

He is also likely to be at the start line for the Tour of Britain, which begins on September 7.